What is a Butcher?

A butcher is a professional meat cutter who prepares a variety of cuts of meat, poultry and fish for consumers to buy. The services of a butcher are needed to provide us with a steak for the barbecue, a preferred quality of ground beef for our hamburgers, or for the perfect filet of fish. They know how to cut meat, poultry and fish properly so that it can be cooked and served for maximum tenderness and taste quality.

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What does a Butcher do?

Duties depend on place of employment. In most retail establishments, a butcher is responsible for receiving and storing meat products in accordance with sanitary and health regulations to maintain meat quality. They package and price meat items after cutting, and prepare meat displays. Butchers know how to roll and tie roasts, prepare sausage, and cure meat. They are very knowledgable in how to cook each cut of meat for maximum flavour, and can give helpful tips to their customers.

Often in a retail environment the job includes customer service, negotiation with suppliers, special order cuts, record-keeping and inventory. A meat-cutter in a processing plant has a more comprehensive set of tasks. He or she must use special equipment to slaughter, break, cut, bone and trim meats into cuts that will then be processed and sold in both domestic and international markets. Animal carcasses must be broken down into smaller pieces or prepared for processing. Processing plants may involve the production of products like sausage and processed meats, and many times custom orders must be prepared to specifications for restaurants, hotels, or institutions.

Among the skills required to be a butcher:

understanding of good hygiene practices

good vision and depth perception

hand-eye coordination

concentration and the ability to pay close attention to tasks

good health - a physical exam may be an employment pre-requisite

stamina and strength to stand for long hours and physically work with heavy pieces of meat

What is the workplace of a Butcher like?

Working conditions are usually indoors and in temperature-controlled conditions. Meat cutters are on their feet all day and must lift heavy items routinely. They work with sharp instruments like saws and knives, and must adhere to safety precautions, since there is a higher rate of injury in this profession. Shift work is often involved.

Butchers can work in meat processing plants or in retail businesses that can include delicatessens, supermarkets, and meat markets. In specialty shops the butcher often interacts with customers, providing information and education about how to use specific cuts of meat.

In a processing plant meat cutters often work on an assembly line, doing routine cutting work until they have learned more advanced skills. In these environments workers may be exposed to high temperatures and loud noise. They require the use of dangerous tools and machinery, and workers must observe safety and sanitation regulations.

There is opportunity for advancement into supervisory or management positions, and some meat cutters go on to open their own markets or delicatessens. Related industries also provide opportunities for sales, quality assurance, or meat inspection careers.

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Further Reading

When a butcher takes an animal to the butcher block and starts cutting away, it isn’t just a series of violent hacks at the animal in question. The butcher actually performs a very delicate procedure that is specifically designed to increase your enjoyment of the meat offered to you.

Butcher’s shops are an institution, providing fine cuts of meat and an expert service. While supermarket deli counters have eaten into the market in recent years, butcher’s shops are still popular among loyal customers that value the traditional experience.

The title Master Butcher carries weight in recognition of achieving the highest level of expertise in its field. With this in mind, I spoke with one of Buedel’s own Master Butchers, Peter Heflin, to share his insight.

Danny Catullo, owner of Catullo Prime Meats, explains why the job of butcher has become a whole lot hipper and more desirable than it used to be. And not just because it offers all the Turducken you can eat.